Genius
Gerry Mulligan from the 60s – 2 albums back to back on one CD! The first half of the set features the
Gerry Mulligan Quartet album for Verve from 1962 – an understated gem that's one of
Gerry's first in a run of extremely charming sessions from the early 60s! The album has
Mulligan blowing in a format that's similar to 50s sides – a quartet with Bob Brookmeyer on trombone, Bill Crow on bass, and Gus Johnson on drums – but the overall sound is somehow a bit looser and more relaxed than the
Mulligan of old – a more gently playful feel that seems to stem from some of Brookmeyer's own experiments of the time, and which has
Gerry blowing with a tightness and punch we really like. Titles include "Piano Train", "Lost In The Stars", "I Know, Don't Know How", and "I Believe In You". Next up is material from the even-better Spring Is Sprung – a great little session hidden amidst
Mulligan's 60s work, and a no-nonsense, gimmick-free album with some really great playing overall! The group on the set includes Bob Brookmeyer on valve trombone as well as piano, which he even plays in duet with
Gerry on one track – and the quartet's approach is nicely relaxed, but still firmly exploratory, as they make their way through a number of strong original tunes that include "Subterranean Blues", "Spring Is Sprung", "Open Country", and "Four For Three". Lastly, the CD adds in 2 tracks from a quartet with
Mulligan and
Chet Baker, recorded in 1957 – on "People Will Say We're In Love" and "Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You".
(Out of print.)